Pencilfish Species are available under Genus Nanostommus and Genus Anostomus. They belong to the Characin (Tetra) family. Pencilfish Varieties Above: Giant Black Lined Right: Red Dwarf Bottom: Giant Red Tail Above: Gold Pencilfish Natural Range Colour and Varieties South America, from Columbia to Vene- There are about 16 species available un- zuela. It is widely distributed throughout der Genus Nanostomos and some attrac- the Amazon basin, in parts of Guyana, tive varieties include golden and green Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. striped pencilfish. Some Anostomus sp. have attractive beautiful dark longitudinal Maximum Size stripes that extend all the way to the tail The size varies by species and it ranges area. These species available can be ei- from 6cm – 40cm. ther wild caught or captive bred Water Quality Sexing · Temperature: 22 oC -26oC Males are more attractive in colour and · pH: 6.0 - 7.5 have enlarged elongated anal fins. They · General Hardness: 50 - 200 ppm are egg scatterers. Aquarium breeding is rare and fish generally require hormone Feeding injections for spawning. They will thrive on small, live, dry frozen food and vegetable matter. They can be General Information fed Tetramin tropical flakes and Tetramin They will thrive in an aquarium with soft, tablets. They will eat aquatic plants so slightly acidic water conditions. Pencil fish some vegetable such as Cos Lettuce or are an attractive, slender, pencil shaped Zucchini is recommended. fish that are interesting to watch in schools among a well planted tank. Compatibility Overall a peaceful, good aquarium com- munity fish that is compatible with Tetras, Rasboras, Killifish and Danios. However, Anostomus sp. (headstanders) can be moderately aggressive with members of their own kind, although are mainly peace- ful with other species. Tropical Care Sheet Supplied by Aquarium Industries Pty Ltd. Freshwater Copyright © April 2009. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited. For more Care Sheets, visit our website: www.aquariumindustries.com.au .